Scientific Positions

2-year postdoctoral position within molecular biology and immunology 950966

Aarhus University, Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases wants to fill a vacant position as postdoc.

The position, which is a full-time position with 37 hours per week, is expected to be filled on 1 February 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term employment of two years with effect from the starting date of employment. There is the possibility of extension of the employment period, if the project secures additional funding. You will be employed with reference to professor Peter Nejsum

The main focus of this position is to explore the role of parasite derived extracellular vesicles and their role in host-parasite interaction. The project is supervised by Professor Peter Nejsum and is part of the project “Intercepting worm communication” (2016-20) funded by The Danish Council for Independent Research and includes national and international collaborator.

Parasitic worms have turned into true masters of host manipulation, as they can dampen inflammation to optimize their own survival in tissues, but very little is known about the specific mechanisms by which they do so. Excretory-secretory antigens from parasitic worms are important in this context but a few recent studies have indicated that parasite extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for host-parasite communication. Deciphering of this communication opens up for a new fundamental understanding of host-parasite interaction and thereby paves the way for novel treatments, new drug targets and vaccines.

The aim of the project is to provide fundamental and novel insight into how parasites manipulate an aggressive immune system in order survive within their host. To do so the role of EVs in host-parasite communication will be investigated using in vitro and in vivo studies. EVs from parasitic worms will be isolated, identified and characterized. Their content will be analysed using proteomics and next generation sequencing. In vitro and in vivo studies in lab animals will be conducted to functional test the role of EVs in the host-parasite interaction with focus on immunological aspects.

The position will also include supervision of students (or involvement in other projects), applying for funding, publication of articles and may include some teaching.

I am therefore looking for highly skilled candidate with a strong personal drive that are eager to learn, ready to push own limits, have a positive attitude, being a team player and have a strong desire to make fundamental discoveries within science.
International travel to, and stays at collaborating laboratories may be required.

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
The candidate should have:
• PhD degree in the fields of molecular biology, biotechnology, immunology or other related fields.
• Published peer-reviewed articles in international recognized journals
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Qualification requirements
Applicants with the following professional and personal qualifications will be highly advantaged:
• Experience with extracellular vesicles (e.g. isolation and characterization)
• Experience with ELISA, WB, Flow cytometry and other relevant immunological methods
• Experience with cell cultures and mouse models
• Experience with bioinformatics (proteomics and/or small RNA analysis)
• Good biological insight
• Post-doctoral experience
• Rich in initiative and a strong motivation for research
• Good supervisor and communication skills
• Well-developed collaborative skills and a team player

We offer
• A challenging position in an exciting and emerging research area
• A supporting team and good working environment
• Good opportunities to expand your network with world-leading scientists
• Opportunity to development your scientific skills, managing projects, disseminate and publish your research.

For further information about the position, please contact Peter Nejsum by phone: +45 50541392

Required qualifications

Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Applications must be accompanied by a CV, diploma, a list of publications, a research plan as well as a teaching portfolio. A maximum of ten of the publications of greatest relevance to the job must be submitted. If you have an assessment within the same job title (completed after March 1, 2016 at AU, Health), then this can be attached to the application.

The assessment committee may decide to include non-submitted material in its assessment. In such cases, the applicant will be informed and obliged to submit material, unless the application is withdrawn.

Applications submitted through channels other than the online application form below or applications which are not received by the application deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with
a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society
nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment
to its 40,000 students and 8,000 employees, and has an annual budget of EUR 860 million
Learn more at www.au.dk/en.